What would be the salary of an Associate in the IP Department at KCO and is it true that there is a pay disparity across different practice areas in the same firm?

Yes, you are absolutely correct on the pay disparity. Salary in the team would start at 65k per month.

Pay starts around 60-70k for freshers. That is half of what the corp people get. Some of it is attributed to the fact that IP isn’t as profitable as other practice areas. Not sure if the disparity is justified though. This pay is still significantly higher than most boutique IP practices like Anand and Anand (35-40k), Remfry (35-40k), Lal and Sethi (30-35k) etc. Curious to know what firms like SAM, AZB, Luthra etc pay IP associates, please shed light on this someone?

While, it could be agreed that the pay is higher, but also do take into account 1. Boutique firms have fixed work timings - they don't work on weekends, apart from the Lit teams 2. You work with best of the clients - majorly foreign ones where the quality of work is far superior - the names of the client matters, 3. Stellar reputation of these firms and the exposure and independece you get - have a look at the appearances of the junior lawyers of IP boutique firms in IP disputes , in full service firms even the partners don't appear, 4. Atleast in KCO associates are made made do admin work - preparing files for trademark filing matters and litigation, sending billing narration to accounts for every bill, following up on pending bills - in any IP boutique you have an army of secretaries and support staff to take care of it. You just do your legal work and rest is taken care of.

Remfry pay was 40k back in 2011 for freshers. I’m sure it has gone up since then.

Does anyone has idea of fresher's salary in IP firms such as Anand and Anand, Remfry and Sagar, Saikrishna & Associates, Lall and Sethi, Chadha & Chadha, SS Rana & Co., Zeus IP, Fidus Law Chambers, etc?

chadha and chadha is around 35k or less.

Lall & Sethi - for (1) fresher with sound knowledge of IP law and relevant internship experience - 34K - 38K. (2) fresher with minimal knowledge and experience in IP (if you manage to get hired with your positive attitude) - 32K - 34K.

Also the firm follows a policy wherein you get half the aforesaid amount as your salary until you get provisionally enrolled with the state Bar.

Talking about the likes of Saikrishna, Anand, Remfry, Mason, Inttl, United etc.

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As was commented elsewhere, do an MBA and branch into IP management. Salary there is much better.